LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as Motorsports Appreciation Week in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to set aside weeks to
recognize exceptional recreational institutions which have positively
impacted their communities and are a crucial element in the economy of
New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorial-
ize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as Motors-
ports Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Motorsports is the group of competitive events which primari-
ly involve the use of motorized vehicles, whether for racing or non-rac-
ing competition; and
WHEREAS, Since the invention of the automobile, motorsports has been
one of America's favorite pastimes; it has brought families together at
community gatherings throughout its storied history; and
WHEREAS, On November 28, 1895, the very first kind of car race was
held in the city of Evanston, Illinois; it stretched over 54 miles and
took 10 hours to complete; and
WHEREAS, This combination of cutting edge technology under the hood,
and courageously skilled drivers behind the wheel, has become a touch-
stone for generations; and
WHEREAS, Organizations and tracks throughout the State of New York
involved in the motorsports exhibit include: Watkins Glen International;
Wide World Ferrari Maserati of Spring Valley, New York; I Love NY;
Alfred State College; Sahlen Packing Company of Buffalo, New York; and
Short Track, Holland Speedway, Holland, New York; and
WHEREAS, Since the 1970s the National Association for Stock Car Auto
Racing (NASCAR) has enjoyed a rapid rise, becoming the second most popu-
lar professional sport on television, until recently averaging more than
nine million viewers a race, behind only American football; and
WHEREAS, The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race is held annually at Watkins
Glen International, and is the largest weekend sporting event in New
York State, attracting visitors from all 50 states as well as 16 differ-
ent countries; and
WHEREAS, Having a global fan base in the millions, motorsports is one
of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State
of New York, encourages all New Yorkers to observe and participate in
Motorsports Appreciation Week, and experience the thrills and adventures
associated with one of our nation's favorite pastimes; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 19-25, 2015, as
Motorsports Appreciation Week in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.